Miguel throws support behind Jimmy Prince in Marriaqua

The Richland Park Government School hard court came alive last Sunday, September 20 when supporters of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) came out in the hundreds to support the formal introduction of St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince as the party’s candidate for Marriaqua.

Supporters clad in red, some from head {{more}}to toe, came out for what many called their ‘Labour Love,’ screaming as loudly as they could, ‘Four in a row’.

One of the highlights of the evening came when comedian Sheverelle ‘Candy-man’ Macmillan appeared on stage, carrying a garden fork, while performing a humorous piece which poked fun at the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) candidate for West St George, Dr Jules Ferdinand, who just one week before had addressed an NDP meeting, garden fork in hand.

Macmillan’s performance was well received, with persons in the crowd and those on the stage laughing, waving and jumping during his performance.

Another feature of the meeting was the introduction of the 16 contestants set to vie for the Miss Unity Youths title at the Victoria Park on October 7. The deejay, who seemed to have music on queue, kept the meeting alive with many musical numbers which added extra life to the speeches.

The evening was addressed by parliamentary representative for West St George Ces McKie, who told party supporters that the Marriaqua constituency and West St George are closely linked and made a case for residents of Marriaqua to elect Prince, since it would be easier for both representatives to continue to work closely to develop the constituencies.

“The Prince has shown us for many years that he is well equipped to take up a leadership role within the Unity Labour Party,” McKie said to loud applause.

He also highlighted the success of the Education Revolution and stated that it shows in the results from the exit exams at the secondary school level.

Frederick Stevenson, parliamentary representative for South Windward, like Mc Kie, gave Prince his full endorsement and encouraged residents to vote for him in the upcoming elections.

Speaking of many of the Government’s social programmes like the ‘Lives to Live’ programme and public assistance, Stevenson asked the crowd what more do they want.

“Tell me what more do you want from this government… this government continues to look out and take care of all the people in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” he exclaimed.

Outgoing representative for Marriaqua Girlyn Miguel brought a spirit of calm when she addressed her home crowd. She reminded them that for the past four terms, Marriaqua has had a representative from the ULP and insisted that they keep the trend alive.

During her speech she invited Prince and his family on stage and embraced them, saying she was throwing her full support behind him.

The man of the hour, Jimmy Prince, came to podium a bit shy at first, but soon became more vocal and energetic as the crowd cheered him and the music tickled his ear.

He told the crowd that his decision to run for the ULP was an easy one since there is no better party in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Prince also told the hundreds in attendance of his plans for the Marriaqua constituency if elected to office.

When he addressed the rally, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves could not resist taking jabs at the opposition New Democratic Party. He expressed his disgust at what he said was the way the parliamentary representatives for Central Kingstown and West Kingstown have been belittling the ULP’s candidates in each respective constituency. The Prime Minister closed the meeting by singing ‘Duppy Conqueror’ by Bob Marley and the Wailers. (CM)